Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-090-1

Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-090-1

A boldly grained Taisho-era haribako with a split lifting lid, multiple drawers, and a hidden open well -- handcrafted Japanese antique storage at its finest.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used by women to store needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework essentials. This handsome example dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926), an era when Japanese craft blended Meiji-era technical refinement with growing Western aesthetic influences. The case is constructed from a boldly figured hardwood -- most likely kaki (persimmon) or a similarly grained Japanese species -- displaying dramatic swirling flame patterns across every drawer face and panel. The warm amber and deep brown tones have deepened beautifully with age, lending the piece a rich patina that only decades of careful use can produce. The top features a split hinged lid that opens to reveal a generous open well, ideal for larger tools or folded fabric. Beneath it, multiple pull-out drawers of varied sizes are arranged in a stepped, asymmetric layout typical of Japanese antique craft boxes -- each drawer fitted with a slender metal bar pull that sits flush and refined against the figured wood surface.

In a modern home, this antique Japanese haribako is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its compact tabletop footprint and multi-compartment interior make it an exceptional jewelry box and accessories organizer for a bedroom vanity or dressing table. It works equally well as a home office storage box for stationery, pens, and small supplies -- a characterful alternative to mass-produced desk organizers. Collectors and enthusiasts of Japandi style and wabi-sabi aesthetic will appreciate how its natural wood grain and aged metal hardware bring warmth and authenticity to any living space. It also makes a truly unique housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate handcrafted Japanese antique furniture with genuine provenance.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho, 1912-1926
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon); metal bar pulls
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessories organizer; desktop stationery and home office storage; decorative accent piece for Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interiors
• Features: Split hinged lid opening to a deep open well; multiple pull-out drawers in a stepped asymmetric arrangement; each drawer fitted with a slender metal bar pull; dramatic swirling flame grain across all exterior panels; rich aged patina throughout
• Dimensions: 13"W x 7"D x 9 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and striking piece of Japanese antique craft -- this Taisho haribako brings over a century of handcrafted character to any modern bedroom, home office, or living room.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.